E3 Spark Plugs News

A wintertime dip in temperatures can put a damper on your vehicle’s engine performance, and your spark plugs may play a role. But that role may start with your battery. There are several tricks to pinpoint the cause of a sluggish cold-weather start.

The coming cold weather can affect your vehicle's engine and spark plug performance.

The first word of advice is this: Don’t let a sluggish start tempt you to run out and buy hotter car or truck spark plugs. The operating temperature of your vehicle doesn’t change with the climate temperature. So it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a tank top or a duffle coat – stick with the manufacturer-recommended spark plug for your vehicle.

Cold temperatures render batteries less powerful. Cool weather causes an increase in electrical resistance in most electrical circuits, including your vehicle’s ignition. So if your vehicle was slow to start (or failed to start) it may be because the battery did not provide your spark plugs enough energy to bridge the gap and make a spark. To remedy this, check the gapping. Properly gapped spark plugs require less energy to create the spark that gets your engine running.

Also check to see if your spark plugs are fouled or worn. Many drivers put off checking their spark plugs until the absolutely have to, which typically happens at the first major cold snap of the winter season. Multiple failed cold start attempts can cause your engine to be flooded with gasoline. This “wet fouling” can soak the plugs and bleed off the ignition voltage before they’re able to form a spark. Spark plugs electrodes that are simply worn over time require higher voltage.

No matter the condition of your spark plugs, your car’s engine needs a little more TLC in the wintertime than it does during warmer weather. Mechanics recommend letting your car warm up for five minutes or so before taking it on the road, particularly at freeway speeds.

If it’s time to replace your spark plugs, check the E3 Spark Plugs website to make sure you’re getting the right plug for your car, truck, motorcycle, powersports vehicle or lawn and garden equipment, and to find an authorized E3 retailer near you.

The 2010 GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series presented by E3 Spark Plugs proved an exhaustingly fun trip this year. KTM’s Taddy Blazusiak dominated the tracks for much of the season, winning all but one round A piece of track debris took out his front brake caliber in Round 5, forcing him to watch Geoff Aaron beat him to the finish line. It was Aaron’s first EnduroCross win.

Despite his undeniable on-track rule, Blazusiak admits that winning didn’t come easy this season.

“It seems everybody’s gotten better this year, the whole field,” he told reporters just after his Round 4 win.

This season also saw a rare female competitor when Oklahoma’s Kerrie Swartz took to the tracks at the Laze E Arena in August, and welcomed veteran racer Kurt Nicoll back to the track in Denver in October.

But as they say, there’s no rest for the weary. With the smoke barely cleared from the 2010 season, the 2011 season schedule is already set. Next years’ GEICO Powersports AMA EnduroCross Series, again presented by E3 Spark Plugs will rev up August 13 at the Comcast Arena in Everett, Washington and finish at the favored Las Vegas venue, the Orleans Arena. A new venue also is in the lineup this year. Round 3 will be hosted at the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, CA in September. All six rounds will air on the Versus Network as part of the Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour. Check the schedule below to make your travel plans and be sure to visit the E3 Spark Plugs blog for all the particulars as they develop, plus news on other racing events and helpful automotive tips.

2011 GEICO Powersports AMA EnduroCross Series, presented by E Spark Plugs:

August 13 Comcast Arena, Everett, WA
August 26 Pepsi Coliseum, Indianapolis, IN (Friday)
September 17 Citizens Bank Arena, Ontario, CA
October 1 National Western Complex, Denver, CA
October 22 Idaho Center, Boise, ID
November 19 Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV

The stands were packed this weekend for the final round of the 2010 GEICO AMA EnduroCross presented by E3 Spark Plugs – and the audience was on its feet when KTM’s Taddy Blazusiak crossed the finish line for both the race win and another year as the championship title holder. But it wasn’t easy. Blazusiak barely edged out Monster Kawasaki’s Justin Soule to set the fastest time during the Pioneer hot laps, a feature that puts riders on the track one-by-one for a single lap against the clock. Blazusiak, Soule and Geoff Aaron, respectively, won the first picks for the heat races, then each won their heats for a quick trip to the main event.

Taddy Blazusiak (with team manager Antti Kallonen, right) wins the 2010 GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series championship presented by E3 Spark Plugs. Image by KTM Racing.

On the main event track, Aaron proved particularly aggressive, pushing past Blazusiak to claim the Girardi Wealth Management $750 Holeshot Award. That got Blazusiak fired up and the two were neck-and-neck for much of the race. At the finish line, however, it was Blazusiak who dominated, with Aaron running a close second. Cody Webb fought hard for third place and almost lost it to Colton Haaker, who successfully defended his title as the E3 Spark Plugs EnduroCross Pro Junior champion during round five of the series, raced at the National Western Complex in Denver, CO. An ugly trip over the handlebars pushed Haaker back to fifth behind KTM’s Mike Brown instead. Soule, Kyle Redmond, Jamie Lanza, Cory Graffunder, Kevin Rookstool and Destry Abbot rounded out seventh to 11th place finishes.

Also taking home coveted prizes were Ty Davis, Luke Reynolds and Patrick Smage. Each landed an AMA No. 1 plate, up for grabs by the top finishers from the five previous rounds and the Vegas daytime qualifiers. Davis took the 35+ vet class win; Reynolds won the Open Amateur class plate despite a last-lap crash in the rock pile; and multi-time AMA Trials champ Smage added another when he won this year’s TrialsCross championship.

If you couldn’t make it to Vegas for the EX finals action, catch the replay on the Lucas Oil Motorsports Hours on the Versus network December 19 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 23rd at 5 p.m. The Denver round also airs December 12th and 15th at 5 p.m. (All times Eastern.)

E3 Spark Plugs racing congratulates all the winners and finishers and looks forward to another action-packed year of EnduroCross.

2010 Las Vegas, NV GEICO EnduroCross Expert Class results:

1. Taddy Blazusiak, KTM
2. Geoff Aaron, Christini KTM
3. Cody Webb, Gas Gas
4. Mike Brown, KTM
5. Colton Haaker, Kawasaki
6. Justin Soule, Kawasaki
7. Kyle Redmond, Kawasaki
8. Jamie Lanza, Kawasaki
9. Cory Graffunder, Husqvarna
10. Kevin Rookstool, KTM
11. Destry Abbott, Kawasaki

2010 GEICO EnduroCross Expert Class final points:

1. Taddy Blazusiak, KTM
2. Geoff Aaron, Christini KTM
3. Justin Soule, Kawasaki
4. Cory Graffunder, Husqvarna
5. Kyle Redmond, Kawasaki
6. Gary Sutherlin, Kawasaki
7. Colton Haaker, Kawasaki
8. Kevin Rookstool, KTM
9. Cody Webb, Gas Gas
10. Mike Brown, KTM

The GEICO AMA EnduroCross presented by E3 Spark Plugs is giving racing fans a chance to meet the superstars of EX before they hit the tracks for the 2010 series championship rounds. Pro pits open at noon on Saturday, Nov. 20th. Riders will greet fans and sign autographs before booting up for the 3 p.m. pro practice and Hot Lap qualifying session. It’s all free to the public until the finals round begins later that evening at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena, with tickets starting at $37.

Among the riders looking forward to meeting fans are current GEICO EnduroCross series points leader, KTM’s Taddy Blazusiak; defending series champion, Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Ricky Dietrich; and 10-time AMA National Trial champion, KTM’s Geoff Aaron, who landed his first EnduroCross win in round five.

Reps from the American Motorcyclist Association will pay a visit to the EX finals Saturday evening. In town for the annual AMA Legends & Champions Weekend, they’ll hand out four coveted AMA No. 1 plates to winners in the Expert Pro, TrialCross, Amateur Open and Vet classes.

“The AMA’s very excited with the EnduroCross series and what their team has done to promote the sport of off-road motorcycle racing,” said AMA’s Director of Racing, Joe Bromley. “The crossover aspect with EnduroCross is especially interesting. In addition to the great international off-road racers like Taddy Blazusiak, you have Mike Brown from motocross, Geoff Aaron from trials and guys like Destry Abbott who compete on the AMA’s Hare & Hound, National Enduro, along with racers from the GNCC series. And, with all the AMA championships on the line, we’re definitely looking forward to being in attendance this Saturday at the Orleans.”

Got your tickets yet? They’re available at the venue. Doors open at 6 p.m. and racing begins at 7:30 p.m. Can’t make it? Be sure to check the E3 Spark Plugs blog for race results and watch the Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour on Versus.

E3 Spark Plugs congratulates all the racers whose hard-driving ambition and skill got them to the series finals. Best of luck to you all.

The 4th Annual Lucas Oil Go-Kart  Shootout presented by Earl Pearson, Jr. and co-sponsored by E3 Spark Plugs awarded another first-time winner with the big prize in the Lucas Oil Pro Class last weekend. Ridgeway, VA’s Matt Bowling beat a strong field of 62 entries to win the 50-lap feature event and take home the $10,000 purse. In all, event producers doled out more than $40,000 in prize money, including a $100 award to E3 Spark Plugs Fast Time Award Pro-Class winner Hunter Curtis.

Earl Pearson, Jr. and Matt Bowling, winner of the Lucas Oil Go-Kart Shootout Pro Class event.

This year’s event  drew 430 entries in 26 classes competing over two days. Competing go-kart racers from across the country revved up at the Possum Kingdom Speedway in Belton, South Carolina. Thanks to a sponsorship agreement with ApplianceZone.com, the event was broadcast live on www.itstv.tv, including interviews with several drivers. The Lucas Oil Go-Kart Shootout is one of the biggest paying go-kart events of the year and, judging by this year’s turnout, is expected to be even bigger next year.

E3 Spark Plugs congratulates this year’s winners and looks forward to the 2011 event. Interested in competing next year? Check the Lucas Oil Go-Kart Shootout website for updates. And get your go-kart in top competitive form with a set of E3 performance spark plugs.

Lucas Oil Go-Kart Shootout Winners:

Lucas Oil Pro Class- Matt Bowling

E3 Spark Plugs Fast Time Award Pro Class- Hunter Curtis

Saturday Classes
Senior Champ- Donnie Nall
Kids- Karts- Clay Thompson
Stock Medium- Nick Scott
Gold Lite- Jonathan Hinson
Pro Hoosier 380- Mitchell Dowdy
Purple Lite- William Prince
Blue Lite- Nick Long
Pro Box Stock Med- JL Furrow
Super Heavy (FH) – Brian Shy
Box Stock Med- Meghan Gruss
Stock Heavy- Jamie Knopf
Purple Heavy- Jacob Allen
Blue Heavy- Jesse Riggins
Limited Modifieds – Donnie Nall
Gold Heavy- Trey Mishue
Pro Box Stock Heavy- JL Furrow

Sunday Classes
Hoosier 380- Jamie Knopf
Animal Heavy- JL Furrow
Kids Karts- Colby Martin
Purple Heavy- Henry Hornsby III
Pro Box Stock Heavy- Donnie Nall
Blue Heavy- Austin Carter
Animal Medium- Jamie Knopf
Animal Super Heavy- Billy Monroe
Pro Gold Heavy- Cla Knight
Lucas Oil Pro Class- Matt Bowling

Motorcycle fans headed to Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena for the Nov. 20 finals round of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross presented by E3 Spark Plugs are in for a double treat.

Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bob "Hurricane" Hanna will be honored at the Amercian Motorcyclist Association's Legends & Champions Weekend ceremonies.

“Your ticket … might have you seated next to a former AMA off-road, road racing or motocross champion,” said Mike Karsting, VP of Events for Source Interlink Media. That’s because the American Motorcyclist Association’s Legends & Champions Weekend is slated for the same time in the same city. Top billing is the 2010 Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction Ceremony at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.

This year’s inductees are: Eyvind Boyesen, Don Castro, Larry Coleman, Clark Collins, David Emde, John and Rita Gregory, Bruce Ogilvie and Mitch Payton. And existing Hall of Famer Bob “Hurricane” Hannah will be honored as one of America’s greatest racing legends. At the time of his induction in 1999, Hannah held seven AMA National Championship titles and was one of just two riders in the history of AMA racing to win championships in 125 and 250cc motocross and Supercross competitions. Hanna dominated the motocross scene in the late 1970s and is credited with helping to solidify its popularity. Even after sitting out the entire 1980 season recovering after a water skiing accident on the Colorado River shattered his leg, Hannah rebounded to win another 20 national titles and represent the USA three times in the prestigious Motocross des Nations. In fact, he was a member of the victorious 1987 team that competed when the event was held in New York.

Several of the inductees are expected to drop in on the EnduroCross finals, so be on the lookout.

“It’s going to be fun to see who shows up as these guys all love a good race and there’s none better going on that weekend than GEICO AMA EnduroCross at the Orleans,” Karsting says.

E3 Spark Plugs congratulates all the 2010 Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees and honorees for helping to make motorcycling what it is today and for inspiring future champions.

If you’re planning to attend the GEICO AMA EnduroCross finals (tickets are still available) and want to check out some of the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend festivities, visit the AMA’s website. And to get your own ride race-ready, be sure to install a set of E3 motorcycle spark plugs. See you in Vegas!

With the 2010 GEICO AMA EnduroCross presented by E3 Spark Plugs finals still a week away, 21-year-old Colton Haaker (Lucas Oil/Kawasaki) has clinched his second consecutive win for the E3 Spark Plugs EnduroCross Pro Junior Championship title. It’s a sweet victory after a tough season. Haaker racked up 65 points thus far in the series and currently holds 8th place in the overall pro class standings. That’s well shy of where he’d like to be, but given his young age and substantially less seat time than veteran competitors in the EnduroCross field, it ain’t bad.

Colton Haaker is the 2010 E3 Spark Plugs EnduroCross Pro Junior Champion.

“Hey, it’s cool to still be young and doing as well as I’ve been doing in EnduroCross,” Haaker said. “This year has for sure been harder and things haven’t gone as well as they have in the past.”

Haaker left the nest just over a year ago, leaving his family home for his own Murietta, CA digs, and feels that much of his trouble this year (He finished 4th in the standings last year) can be attributed to the transition. Indeed, it’s an exciting but tough time for any young man. But despite the challenges, Haaker’s passion, persistence and pure talent took him to the top spot as the GEICO EnduroCross circuit’s best young rider this year.

“I learned a lot more about the sport this year and really want to do well in Vegas to close out the season,” he says.

Rounding out the E3 Spark Plugs EnduroCross Pro Junior Championship (open to pro class riders ages 16 to 21) this year are 19-year-old Jacob Argubright from Northridge, CA in 2nd place and 18-year-old Keith Sweeten of Oregon City, OR in 3rd place. E3 Spark Plugs, maker of the patented DiamondFire engineered performance spark plugs, congratulates each of these young racers on a job well done and a promising future on the tracks.

Got your tickets yet? The GEICO AMA EnduroCross finals are set for November 20 at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena. Doors open at 6 p.m. and racing begins at 7:30.

Round 14 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series presented by GEICO Powersports and sponsored by E3 Spark Plugs offered up plenty of action from crushing rolls to dizzying spinouts to a bit of a fire show in the Pro 4 Unlimited. As dust and smoke flew, fans cheered as Adrian Cenni landed his first win since Round 10. But Rick Huseman’s fans cheered just as loud. His third-place finish in the #36 Traxxas/Monster Energy Toyota scored him more than enough points to secure his first Lucas Oil Off-Road championship.

A shot from Round 14 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series presented by GEICO Powersports and sponsored by E3 Spark Plugs.

The Pro 4 Unlimited revved up with Jerry Daugherty in the #23 Magnaflow/Racin’ Dirty Chevrolet and Kyle LeDuc in the #99 Rockstar/Makita Ford in front. By the end of lap one, Daugherty still held the lead, but soon gave it up when he rolled into the hot pits with an unknown issue. Next, Mike Johnson provided a bit of a fire show when his truck caught flames. A stuntman by trade, Johnson made a quick escape and drivers stopped while emergency crews cleared the track. By then, it was Huseman in the lead, followed by Carl Renezeder, Cenni, John Harrah and Kyle LeDuc. Harrah and Leduc battled it out trying to get ahead, with Harrah spilling Leduc nearing turn three, shredding LeDuc’s left rear tire. Harrah got a bit of comeuppance when he rolled his own truck just two turns later. Trouble hit Huseman when he split his rear driveshaft, forcing him to finish the race with only front wheel drive and significantly less speed.

In the day’s most gut-wrenching turn of events, defending champ Renezeder passed the white flag, only to see his truck slow down and begin puffing out smoke and steam in turn eight of the final lap with the finish line in sight – a cruel twist for the reigning champion. The race finished with Cenni crossing the finish line first, followed by Travis Coyne, Huseman, Harrah and Josh Merrell, who struggled nearly the entire race with only rear wheel drive.

E3 Spark Plugs congratulates Cenni, Huseman and all the other winners of the day. Visit the Lucas Oil Off-Road website for full results of the day’s races and to purchase your tickets for Round 15 December 11 and the season-ending Lucas Oil Challenge Cup December 12 at Firebird Raceway in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler, AZ. Meanwhile, get your truck in racing shape with E3 truck spark plugs – the best high performance spark plugs on the market.

Ready to get pumped up? If you’re planning to attend the championship rounds of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Presented by E3 Spark Plugs, you’re in luck. It was just announced that longtime AMA MX Nationals announcer and ThorMX’s Thor TV host Rocket Rob Buydos has joined EnduroCross’ announcing team for the finals event November 20 at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena.

Longtime AMA MX Nationals announcer and Thor TV host "Rocket" Rob Buydos will announce the final rounds of the 2010 GEICO AMA EnduroCross Presented by E3 Spark Plugs. Image courtesy of EnduroCross.

A solid rider in his own right, Buydos is known for his high-energy announcing that gets fans in a frenzy and for his rapport with the racers on the tracks.

“I mean come on – Vegas is fantastic alone,” said Buydos in his typical fired-up persona. “Add to that sick talent, world class obstacles, true drama and the certain carnage THAT IS EnduroCross – and I love it!”

There’s no doubting Buydos’ passion for racing. Joining GEICO EnduroCross track announcer Laurette Nicoll, Buydos brings an exhaustive knowledge of motorcycle racing and an unsurpassed penchant for live event announcing.

“Buydos puts the Vegas GEICO EnduroCross finals over the edge,” says Mike Karsting VP of Events for Source Interlink Media. “We’re pumped to have him on board and look forward to what he brings to the table for our fans attending the live event at the Orleans on Nov. 20th.”

Hit up EnduroCross.com for your tickets to GEICO AMA EnduroCross presented by E3 Spark Plugs finals. If you can’t make it to the tracks, catch event on Versus TV December 19 at 6pm Eastern and again December 23 at 5pm Eastern. And check the E3 Spark Plugs blog for a results wrap-up. Meanwhile, if you want to get your ride race-ready, pick up a set of E3 motorcycle spark plugs with E3′s patented DiamondFire technology for a stronger, cleaner ride.

Round 13 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series presented by Geico Powersports and co-sponsored by E3 Spark Plugs was a thrill-a-minute for fans, racers and one very special kid. In the midst of all the hard-fought competition on the tracks, 15-year-old Baydon Yundt enjoyed the experience of a lifetime thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization that grants the wishes of kids with life-threatening medical conditions. Yundt’s wish was to meet X-Games champ and Metal Mulisha founder Brian Deegan. Not only did he get to meet Deegan, who raced in the Pro Lite Unlimited, but Deegan agreed to give Yount a ride-along on Friday. And it was Yundt who waved the green flag in both of the weekend’s Pro Lite Unlimited Races while his family enjoyed the view from the Lucas Oil VIP area and went back home to Monkton, Ontario, Canada with a bountiful booty of Metal Mulisha gear. E3 Spark Plugs gives props to Deegan and best wishes to Yundt and his family.

The full day of races proved a great one for racing. Blue skies, sunshine and a light breeze made it a comfortable one for all and the racers were on top of their game. The Pro 4 Unlimited provided particularly exciting, opening with a Jumbo Tron video production of “Deegan vs. Deegan.” The race began with Kyle LeDuc, Mike Johnson, defending points champion Carl Renezeder and Adrian Cenni leading, respectively. But that lineup got significantly shuffled by lap three with Johnson hitting the leading edge of the outside K rail and dropping to last place in turn one and Renezeder falling to last with a half spin in turn four. Cenni rolled his truck in turn four, prompting a full course yellow, but quickly re-fired his truck and got back onto the tracks. Shortly after, LeDuc’s rear suspension broke as he landed off a jump out of turn one, sidelining him for the rest of the day. When the smoke and dust cleared, it was Rick Huseman who crossed the finish line first, bumping him up to a total of 631 points and a 77-point lead for the season championship.

The Pro Lite Unlimited provided some on-track fireworks as well with a panel-crushing train of contact involving Marty Hart, Matt Loiodice, Jimmy Stephensen, Corey Sisler and Chris Brandt followed by a rollover in turn four by Loiodice. The last lap of the race was a battle between hart and Brian Deegan, but it was Deegan who was ahead at turn six when racers were forced in line while track officials cleared Aaron Daugherty’s rollover. The race ended under yellow with Deegan taking the win. Hart finished second, but closed the margin to points leader Brandt from 17 points to nine points with Deegan 30 points out and Loiodice 10 behind.

Visit LucasOilOffRoad.com for full results and check the E3 Spark Plugs blog for a recap of Round 14 coming soon.